I watched the video of the Seattle Boat Show Seminar which is really helpful. Stated in it is that the authorities do not require operators to have paper charts. Personally, I want them by my side. I have not bought them yet. Can anyone list the chart numbers of those that one should have on board for this trip? Since boaters will be travelling through Desolation Sound, there is a great one, Chart # 3312, "Jervis Inlet and Desolation Sound". It is a spiral-bound 29 page booklet of separate charts for the entire area and costs $88 Cdn. There is a similar one at the same price, # 3313, for the Gulf Islands which includes the San Juans. The prices are vastly cheaper than they would be were the charts purchased individually. Too bad there isn't such a booklet for the Broughtons.
Keep in mind that, even if it is correct that paper charts are not legally required, someone posted recently that insurers may require them. Best if those who do not intend to use them check their policies to determine if not having paper charts will void the policy.
Ports and Passes also publishes "Broughton Islands and Mainland Inlets - Topographical Planning Map and Distance Tables". It is a fold up map made of heavy duty material which provides an overview of the entire area which is great for planning. It overlaps in part with P and P's other similar publication, "Desolation sound and Discovery Islands". I think that P and P took over publication from Fine Edge Nautical Publications. Fine Edge still publishes, in similar form, "San Juan and Gulf islands".
